To my childhood friend Ann  I am sorry for your loss  

My mom is now 94  I am trying to make the most of our remaining time together  

Hope you are well

Mrs. Massaye Nakamura was my junior high school English Teacher and she impacted my life! She believed in me and always gave unconditional love! The last time I saw her, she painted a special piece of art just for me! I still have it and the note she wrote just for me! I've always wanted to go back and visit but life got in the way but truth be told, I wasn't sure she was still with us. As I went to give her kudos in my new book I'm writing, something told me to google her name and I found her obituary! Wow...97 years old! I am Dr. Darlene V. Willis because of Mrs. Nakamura and the other great role models in my life. She even risked losing her job by being committed to take the Frick Junior High School honor roll students to Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm every year! Because of her, those of us who loved school, had a place to go before and after school where we could be ourselves, read, play chess, backgammon and other mind stimulating games! Your life will not be in vain as there are so many of us who you made a difference for and are working with children trying to duplicate what you instilled in us. Rest well our respected and loved Teacher! WE will NEVER forget you! I thank God for allowing our paths to cross!